The Ministry for Gozo, in a statement today, has said that last weekend’s packed programme of activities attracted over 55,000 passengers crossing over to the island on Gozo Channel, with the ferries making 202 trips.

In connection with the celebration of Victoria Day, the La Stella Philharmonic Society and the Leone Philharmonic Society organised two musical concerts – namely RockAstra and Leone Goes Pop.

A Bee and Honey Festival took place in the Villa Rundle Gardens. Held for the first time in Gozo – the festival attracted a large number of people, who were able to gather information and learn about the production of local honey.

There was also of course the reenactment of the French invasion of Gozo, held to mark the 220th anniversary, this took place over Saturday and Sunday, starting from Ramla Bay, and on to Xaghra, the Citadel and through the streets and squares of Victoria.

The Ministry for Gozo said that the Abode on the Rock Festival, attracted 1,700 young foreigners to the island, “creating a large economic impact and generating a lot of employment.”

The quaint village of Saint Lucija, held the very successful and popular traditional wine and food festival – Bis-Sahha – on Saturday evening, organised by the local community.

The Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana said that “such events continue to attract more tourists to Gozo, both local and foreign, who are not only able to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, but also the talents and creativity of Gozo.”

Dr Caruana stressed that the strategy being adopted by the Ministry for Gozo is proving fruitful as Gozo is offering something to suit everyone’s tastes.

The Minister for Gozo praised the collaboration between all the entities that which resulted in a successful weekend of activities

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With the result that the island almost ground to a halt. On Friday Victoria was gridlocked, I saw Ambulances with blue flashing lights unable to get to the hospital. There are now too many visitors coming to Gozo and it is we, the residents, who suffer, often unable to go about our normal lives because of the number of people thronging the streets. We now also have to contend with convoys of jeeps, convoys of quad bikes, enormous double decker tour buses, none of which were about a few years ago. The quality of life here is deteriorating, isn’t it time that, instead of encouraging visitors, we put a cap on their numbers before they spoil our beautiful island for everyone.

Fantastic news! Let’s aim for 100,000 visitors next time making Gozo so gridlocked the visitors themselves can’t get to the already packed venues, causing real safety and security issues and making life hell for the residents. Good idea to get that tunnel built so even more can flood in. Also, why end the tunnel at Nadur when traffic can be sent straight to other destinations such as Xlendi, San Blas, Marsalforn and Dwejra so visitors have more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the island? Just a thought..